Sparks fly over bill cutting PTA dues

A bill targeting parent volunteer groups has become a hotbed of controversy resulting in the resignation of a potential school PTA leader who testified in support of the legislation.

"I wasn't looking for a fight. I just wanted to work in the schools," said Provo resident Mitzi Collins.

Collins told the Deseret News she became upset after "inappropriate and inaccurate" e-mails about her were circulated by the Provo City PTA following her testimony before the Senate Education Committee last Tuesday.

SB199, "Equal Recognition of School Parent Groups," sponsored by Sen. Curtis Bramble, R-Provo, passed through the committee favorably.

The bill emphasizes parent groups have an equal voice in school and district decisions regardless of whether they are a Parent Teacher Association or a Parent Teacher Organization.

An amendment to the bill says PTA and PTO groups must waive membership dues at a parent's request.

Collins had been nominated to run for PTA president-elect at Timpview High School. She hadn't paid her dues but was waiting to see if Bramble's bill went through.

She decided to drop out of the race Wednesday, saying in a statement to Provo PTA leaders, "What has happened since I testified directly supports the reasons we need the new legislation, which gives all parents the right to participate at all levels in the parent organization at the public schools their children attend."

Provo PTA President RaDene Hatfield told the Deseret News her e-mail was to correct factual errors Collins made in her testimony.

Sparks flew during discussions on Bramble's bill at a State Board of Education meeting Friday.

After almost an hour of emotional public input and lawmaker comment, the board decided to take no stance on the bill. Instead, the board suggested Bramble and state PTA officials battle it out in the hallway — which they did.

The two parties, however, didn't reach an agreement.

"He just wants us to go away," said Holly Langton, state PTA education commissioner.

Bramble said he still wants to talk. He scheduled a meeting with state PTA leaders for Tuesday. "We may be able to find some common ground," he said.

The idea of not charging dues doesn't sit well with PTA leaders. State PTA President Marilyn Simister calls the bill "discriminatory."

A school's PTA group is affiliated with its national organization, and a portion of the local dues goes to the national group. A PTO isn't affiliated with the national PTA's agenda or philosophy and can choose to charge dues or not.

Each school sets its own PTA dues. The state average is $5. A total of $1.75 goes to the national group, $1 goes to the state affiliate and the rest goes to the school. Scholarships are available for parents who can't pay dues, Simister said.